I will be bringing forward legislation which will extend the current TV licensing regime not only to cover those watching the BBC live, but also on catch-up through the iPlayer.

Giving a free ride to those who enjoy Sherlock or Bake Off an hour, a day or a week after they are broadcast was never intended and is wrong.

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Given the popularity of subscription services, the BBC has struggled to keep up with the pace of change – last year they slashed 1,000 jobs to save £50 million and in another cost-cutting move BBC 3 was also taken off air and made an online-only service.